Culpeper, VA, Man Charged after Body Shop Standoff

A Culpeper man involved in a standoff at a Madison County auto body shop was taken into custody on May 28 and is now facing charges.

According to police, a standoff started shortly after 7:30 a.m. when David Allen Cole, described as an “active shooter,” entered Skyline Restoration, an auto body shop on Route 29 in Madison. Someone working at the shop called police.

“According to the caller, one shot had already been fired and a second shot was fired while the caller was on the phone with dispatch,” said Erik Weaver, Madison County Sheriff.

Cole, 42, stayed inside the shop from 7:30 a.m. until his arrest shortly after 10 a.m. When law enforcement first arrived the employees had already left the shop safely and Cole was the only one inside.

“After several minutes the suspect came to the door displaying the firearm. The deputies challenged the suspect at which time he pointed the firearm to his throat,” said Weaver.

Police say Cole had a semiautomatic 9 mm gun to his throat the entire time. Authorities also say a total of five empty casings were found on the property. After about two hours of negotiations, Cole surrendered.

Cole, who was an employee at Skyline Restoration, has been charged with reckless use of a firearm. He is currently being evaluated under an emergency custody order.

Police say no one was injured during the standoff, including the suspect. Those involved credit the teamwork of a number of law enforcement agencies for that.

“It was amazing to see nearly 20 organizations come together in a matter of minutes,” said Ernie Hoch, Madison County administrator.

Madison County Schools, located half a mile from the scene, were put on lockdown while the standoff took place but the lockdown has now been lifted. Police say no students were involved in the standoff.

Police were also forced to shut down Route 29 in Madison in both directions while trying to get the suspect in custody.

“The establishment was also very close to Route 29. We did not want a stray bullet leaving the vicinity and striking vehicles going up and down Route 29,” said Weaver.